Family-Friendly Attractions in Ehime | 7 Fun Things to Do with Kids

Ehime is a Japanese prefecture that lies along the northwest coast of the island of Shikoku. It is known for its warm climate and beautiful natural environment, in addition to a more traditional atmosphere than the country’s popular tourist areas. Best of all, there are several fun and family-friendly attractions in Ehime, both in the capital city of Matsuyama and throughout the prefecture. If you are traveling with kids, then you will want to make a stop at kid-friendly places like Ehime Children’s Castle and Minetopia Besshi. Here is a closer look at these and other top Ehime family activities.

1. Tobe Zoo

Tobe Zoological Park, more commonly called Tobe Zoo, is a must-visit attraction for families with children. It is located in the town of Tobe, just south of Matsuyama. The park has nearly 800 animals from over 150 different species. It is divided into different “streets” where you can view animals from all over the world, including America Street, Asia Street, Africa Street, and Australia Street. Easily the most popular resident at Tobe Zoo is a female polar bear named Peace, who was born at the zoo in 1999. The zoo is also home to elephants, monkeys, white tigers, and penguins.

Tobe Zoo Hours, Admission, and Location

Tobe Zoo is open every day except for Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with final entry at 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices are 500 yen for adults (18 to 64), 200 yen for high school students (15 to 17), 200 yen for seniors (over 65), and 100 yen for children (6 to 14).

The zoo has a large parking lot with more than 2,000 spaces, but it can also be reached via the Tobe Line bus. You can catch the bus at either Matsuyama City Station or Iyotachibana Station.

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

2. Ehime Children’s Castle

Ehime Children’s Castle is essentially a vast playground. Just like the real castles of Ehime, it sits at the top of a forested hill. The large complex is composed of the main castle building and an expansive outdoor area. Inside the castle, there is a multi-story jungle gym structure that leads to the rooftop, offering fantastic views over Matsuyama. To get back down, you have the option of riding a funicular or zooming down a bobsled track. Outside of the castle, there are even more fun things to do, including train rides, 4-wheelers, trampolines, and even paddle boats you can take out into a lake. Ehime Children’s Castle is fun for both kids and kids-at-heart.

Ehime Children’s Castle Hours, Admission, and Location

Ehime Children’s Castle is located right next to Tobe Zoo, making it easy to visit both attractions on the same day. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily but closed on Wednesdays.

Entry to the park is free apart from a 300-yen parking fee if you are driving. However, rides and experiences throughout the park do cost anywhere from 100 to 500 yen, so make sure you are ready to spend a little extra.

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

3. Nijino Mori Park Osakanakan

Nijino Mori Park Osakanakan is a surprising little aquarium in the small town of Matsuno in the south of Ehime. The focus of the aquarium is on the freshwater fish of the Shimanto River and its tributaries. The museum itself is located right beside the Hiromi River, which flows into the Shimanto not far from its location. It offers informative and engaging displays and is home to all sorts of species, including very large fish and turtles. Nijino Mori Park Osakanakan also has penguins that go on a daily march around the facilities, as well as adorable otters. If you have other sightseeing to do in the area, a stop at this interesting aquarium is highly recommended.

Nijino Mori Park Osakanakan Hours, Admission, and Location

Nijino Mori Park Osakanakan is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing only on Wednesdays. It is located just a 6-minute walk across a bridge from Matsumaru Station, which is served by the Yodo Line. Admission fees are 900 yen for adults (15 and older), 400 yen for children (ages 6 to 14) and 200 yen for younger children (ages 3 to 5).

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

4. Tobe Pottery Museum

Tobe Pottery Museum (Tobe Yaki Traditional Industry Center) is the best place to see beautiful Tobeyaki — the traditional pottery of the Tobe area. Tobeyaki is a type of thick white porcelain decorated with blue paint that has a history stretching back over two centuries. It is admired both in Japan and overseas for its aesthetic appeal but robust and practical design. Tobe Pottery Museum carries an extensive selection of traditional ceramicware made by local artisans. The museum also offers the opportunity to make your own pottery with three unique hands-on experiences great for the whole family. Choose between Tebineri (making by hand), Rokuru (potter’s wheel), and Etsuke (painting), depending on what you and your kids are most interested in.

Tobe Pottery Museum Hours, Admission, and Location

Tobe Pottery Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The different pottery experiences range in price, starting at around 800 yen.

The museum is located not far from Tobe Zoo and Ehime Children’s Castle, making another excellent stop to add to your visit to the area. It can also be reached directly from Matsuyama via a bus from Matsuyama City Station.

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

5. Ferris Wheel Kururin

If you are looking for a bit of a thrill that the whole family can enjoy, then you should pay a visit to Ferris Wheel Kururin at the top of the Iyotetsu Takashimaya department store in Matsuyama. Over 147 feet (45 meters) in diameter and 347 feet (106 meters) above sea level, the Ferris wheel is almost the same height as Matsuyama Castle and offers an unforgettable ride above the city. One full rotation takes 15-minutes, during which time you are treated to unparalleled views. The whole of Matsuyama is laid out before you, all the way to the Seto Inland Sea on one side and the mountains on the other on a clear day. If you choose to ride the Ferris wheel at night, you will be treated to the twinkling city lights. For an extra thrill, opt for a gondola with a see-through floor.

Ferris Wheel Kururin Hours, Admission, and Location

Ferris Wheel Kururin operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. A ticket for a regular gondola is 700 yen (or free, if you show your passport!), while a see-through gondola costs 1,000 yen.

Iyotetsu Takashimaya department store is very easy to get to, as it is located right above Matsuyama City Station, the central terminus for the Iyo Railway network.

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

Photo credit: IG@rocknrollnight

6. Minetopia Besshi

Minetopia Besshi is a unique theme park in the city of Niihama built on the site of the now-closed Besshi Copper Mine, which operated from 1690 to 1973. Exploring these old facilities is a cool adventure for families. Visitors can hop on a train that journeys along tracks which were once used to transport copper. The ride leads to restored mining tunnels which depict how the mining process was carried out during the Edo period. Other activities at Minetopia Besshi include panning for gold and taking a dip in a natural hot spring at the site.

Once you have explored the main park area, make sure you also head up to the Toharu zone. Located higher in the mountains, this is the site of the mine’s old storage deposit. Today, it looks like the ruins of an ancient city.

Minetopia Besshi Hours, Admission, and Location

Minetopia Besshi is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Niihama, and it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Once at the park, you will need to pay separately for different activities. Gold panning costs 650 yen for adults and 550 yen for children. A ride on the mine train costs 1,300 yen for adults, 900 yen for teenagers (ages 13 to 18) and 700 yen for children (ages 3 to 12). A dip in the hot spring bath costs 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for teenagers (ages 13 to 18) and 200 yen for children (ages 3 to 12).

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

Photo credit: IG@j7ocean

7. Botchan Train Museum

A small and easily overlooked museum, the Botchan Train Museum in Matsuyama is a great stop for families with children. Kids and adults alike who are interested in trains and railways will enjoy the charming exhibit, which details the history of the Iyotetsu Railway and features a replica of the Iyotetsu No. 1 locomotive. There is even a diorama of how Matsuyama looked in the past, as well as numerous old photographs on display. The entrance to the Botchan Train Museum is actually through a Starbucks, so you can pick up a coffee or tea to sip as you have a look around.

Botchan Train Museum Hours, Admission, and Location

Botchan Train Museum is centrally located in Matsuyama, just a three-minute walk from Matsuyama City Station. It is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there is no admission fee to enter.

FIND HOTELS NEAR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN EHIME 

Find hotels & resorts perfect for family holidays

Matsuyama City Hotel

Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido

Hotel Crown Hills Imabari